With Malaysia ranked as the number one destination according to the Global Muslim Travel Index, the country continues to see a rise in visitors. Its stunning capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a must-see destination and is home to a bustling city immersed in a tropical setting. If you’re planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur soon, here are eight unmissable places we recommend visiting:
Masjid Jamek
It’s not often that mosques are tourist sites but this elegant mosque is one of a kind! Constructed in the year 1909, it is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. The onion-domed mosque is known to be one of the first brick mosques in Malaysia and has Moorish, Mughal and Islamic architecture. The Mosque is open to all which means it continues to attract a mass of visitors from around the world on a daily basis.
KL Forest Eco Park
Rainforests covered much of Kuala Lumpur in the past. However, today not much of it is seen due to the many developments that have taken place in this bustling capital. The KL Forest Eco Park is an area which still offers an unbeatable ecotourism experience and features a 200-metre-long canopy walk which straddles the treetops. The park is also home to rare herbs, tropical trees, giant bamboo grasses and a range of flora.
Peacock, Image credit, Koushik Pal, Unsplash
Petronas Towers
These twin towers of the Far East were known as the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004. They remain the tallest twin towers in the world to this day. At the base of the towers, visitors will find Suria KLCC which is a popular choice for shopping. Take a short stroll from the Petronas Towers and you’ll find the splendid KLCC park which is a great place to get away from the heat of the city. A major landmark in the city, it is visible from many parts of the capital. For panoramic views of the bustling capital, head up to the observatory deck located on the 86th floor.
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
With Malaysia being a tropical country, it is home to a wide range of animals, birds and insects. The KL Bird Park is specifically home to birds with more than 3000 birds which come from 200 different species! Once you enter the park, you’ll fail to miss the sounds of the many birds which adds to the experience of visiting the park. You can also take pictures with some of the birds and if you’re feeling ambitious, you can choose to feed the birds yourself.
Islamic Arts Museum
Within walking distance of the National Mosque and the KL Bird Park, this is usually at the top of the list of places to visit for tourists. The Islamic Arts Museum is regarded as Southeast Asia’s largest museum of Islamic art and gives visitors an insight into Islam through its global collection of Islamic Art. Showcasing early copies of the Qur’an and Hadith books such as Saheeh Bukhari, the museum is a popular place for history buffs as well as those interested in Islamic History.
Central Market
Starting out as a wet market in 1888, the central market has developed into a vibrant centre for arts and crafts, culture, homemade remedies and above all, shopping! While the market has a relaxed atmosphere, it is also bustling with locals and tourists alike. Covering an area of 100,000 square feet, each and every shop is different offering products such as organic soaps, Chinese handicrafts and personalised clothing. The market also has several dining options in case you work up an appetite after hours of shopping!
Chinatown
The hustle and bustle of KL’s Chinatown is unbeatable! Jampacked with street food, shops and wholesalers, here you’ll see a mix of tourists and locals looking for their essentials and souvenirs. Chinatown can be reached by foot from the Central Market which is why we recommend visiting Central Market prior to your visit to Chinatown.
Kampung Baru
If you’re looking to step back in time to experience what KL was like in the 20th century, head over to the Kampung Baru neighbourhood. One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur, Kampung Baru is a cosy and traditional Malaysian village which is home to traditional wooden houses. The village has a friendlier environment with welcoming street food vendors cooking and preparing delicious meals and desserts. Whether you’re after satay, curries, fresh fruits or durian, Kampung Baru has it all!
Main Image – Afeeq Nadzrin, Unsplash
